“No one is pleased about the performance they gave, no one is making excuses. They’ve took on the chin what I’ve said.

“It’s disappointing. We came here buoyant because of the good win at the weekend.”

Former Huddersfield Town boss Clark - who was backed into odds-on favourite for the Rovers job on Monday - and ex-Leeds United chief Redfearn both watched the game from the directors’ box, making notes throughout.

Though reluctant to discuss what the defeat meant for him, Jones did confess it was not the ideal result and performance to end his audition for the role.

He said: “The manner of the defeat wasn’t ideal for me. But that’s football and I have to get on with it, I have to move forward and the club has to move forward.

“And if I’m the right man for the job, that’s great. If I’m not as I’ve said before, I will give my full support to the new guy, if and when he comes in.”